Following another round of impressive interim results, many again in the double digits, it is no surprise that luxury brands are continuing to invest in new retail stores. Despite grey skies looming for the US and European economies, stores are popping up in Los Angeles, New York, Italy and Switzerland just as frequently as those in South Korea, China, Lebanon and even Sydney, Australia. Louis Vuitton are even launching another landmark Maison later in September, an elaborate Peter Marino designed production situated on its own man-made island. Luxury Society once again presents all the latest need-to-know boutiques in global luxury retail.
Yves Saint Laurent, Los Angeles
Yves Saint Laurent opened doors on an eco-friendly boutique within Los Angeles’ Beverly Center, incorporating energy efficient lighting and materials that reduce carbon dioxide emissions and water waste. The concept, "The Opium Experience," takes inspiration from the iconic Opium fragrance, resulting in red lacquered walls inspired by the bottle’s crimson hue and touches of brushed and polished brass hardware. The store carries men’s ready-to-wear and a collection of men and women’s accessories.
Louis Vuitton Maison, Singapore
In keeping with the houses commitment to architectural innovation, Louis Vuitton will launch its twelfth Maison in Singapore in September, adjacent to Marina Bay Sands. Designed by architect Peter Marino, LV’s first Southeast Asian Maison will sit directly on the water as an Island, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the bay. A contemporary art gallery tunnel connects directly to the Marina Bay Sands Mall, whilst the boutique itself will feature a private lounge and outdoor loggia.
Lamborghini, Cadenazzo & Macau
Lamborghini recently opened doors on its fifth Swiss store, adding its Cadenazzo dealership to serve neighbouring Lugano, operated by auto dealer Tarcisio Pasta SA. The new showroom carries its V10 and V12 product lines, the Gallardo, and its latest Aventador LP 700-4. Over in the east, the supercar manufacturer has inaugurated its fifteenth destination in Mainland China, located in central Macau, operated by Kam Bo Motors Limited.
Vacheron Constantin, New York
Celebrating its twenty-eighth boutique worldwide and the first in the United States, Vacheron Constantin has opened doors on Madison Avenue, in a historic building reminiscent of a 15th century Florentine palace.
Hermès, Pune
Housed in a 150-year-old building, overlooking the Asiatic Society Library and Horniman Circle gardens, Hermès’ celebrated its newest Mumbai destination in Pune. The store is the first stand-alone store for Hermès in India, designed by architectural firm RDAI, incorporating mosaic floors, wooden finishing and signature leather into the 325sqm space.
Prada, Sydney & Wenzhou
Opening in Sydney’s latest luxury mall destination, Westfield, the 400sqm, dual level space has been designed by architect Roberto Baciocchi, housing collections of ready-to-wear, bags, shoes and accessories for both women and men. The external facade features cones of various steel sections, producing a unique optical effect offset by an entire storefront fabricated in a fluid series of windows and light-boxes. The opening of the Wenzhou boutique marks Prada’s sixteenth Chinese location, where all Prada collections for men and women are housed in 600sqm, in keeping with the global store design concept.
Bentley, Wenzhou
Also in Wenzhou, Bentley opened its first dealership, citing ‘one of the highest per-capita GDPs in China’ as the reason for the location. The 800sqm dealership is the fourteenth in China and will showcase the Mulsanne, new Continental GT and the limited edition Continental Flying Spur China.
Barbara Bui, Los Angeles
The first Californian flagship for Barbara Bui, the French ready-to-wear brand has inaugurated a spacious duplex store on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles. Designed both to showcase the collection and facilitate cocktail parties, private shopping and lounging, the store is a sleek and modern combination of concrete floors, tinted glass and ample natural light.
Zegna, Sydney
Zegna has also opened in Sydney’s newest luxury shopping destination, Westfield on Castlereagh Street. The dynamic flagship store boasts 330sqm dedicated to each category of menswear, as well as the hand-made ‘Couture’ collection, exclusive ‘Su Misura’ (made-to-measure) service, traditional Italian tailoring ‘Sartoria’ in contemporary silhouettes, as well as the recently introduced Upper Casual collection.
Roger Dubuis, Hong Kong
Coinciding with the launch of the Excalibur Lady 2011 collection in Hong Kong, Roger Dubuis unveiled its newly refurbished boutique at Pacific Place, incorporating motifs evocative of the brand’s Excalibur collection – swords, hazy pedestals and golden mesh.
Gucci, Varese
It’s first mono-brand boutique in the Lombardy region, Gucci have opened in the regional capital Varese. The 200sqm store sits in the historical centre of the city and will be operated under franchising by Flavia Brogini, owner of Varse Base Blu multibrand store.
Versace, Beirut
Spread over two floors and 200sqm, Versace has opened in the Berytus Building in the Grand Hotels District of Beirut. Operated by the Luxury Clothing Company, the first store in Lebanon features the latest ready-to-wear collections for men and women, as well as a full range of men’s and women’s bags, shoes, belts, eyewear and perfume.
Jaeger LeCoultre, Mexico
Celebrating its first boutique in Mexico, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched a 120sqm space, inspired by Art Deco symmetry and minimalist detail. Lovers of haute Horlogerie will be able to experience Reverso and 101 timepieces as well as the iconic Atmos clocks. Dark and ochre shades of the wood are juxtaposed alongside hickory, steel and panels sourced from India.
Helmut Lang, London
Helmut Lang will launch its first European stand-alone store in London this September, located on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill. The store will debut with the AW11 collection designed by Creative Directors Nicole and Michael Colovos, over 75sqm with a backdrop of natural materials, inspired by the art works of Jaap de Vries and layering different materials. (New York boutique pictured)
Donna Karan, Seoul
Donna Karan inaugurated her first DKNY flagship in Seoul, spanning almost 400sqm, located in the Cheongdam luxury-shopping district, in partnership with SK Networks Company Ltd. The flagship has been designed by NYC architects Bonetti Kozerski Studio, featuring textured and chiselled granite, bamboo plants and a 10-foot-high LED screen to stream brand-centric media. The store will house ready-to-wear, eveningwear, shoes and accessories.
Hublot, Daegue
Celebrating its first boutique in South Korea, Hublot inaugurated its latest boutique in Daegue, with the assistance of brand ambassador Usain Bolt, coinciding with the IAAF World Championships. The launch also marked the release of the Hublot Unico King Gold, limited to just 500 pieces.
Jimmy Choo, New York
Joining boutiques on 51st Street and Madison Avenue, Jimmy Choo inaugurated its third Manhattan location within a townhouse in the West Village. The boutique was designed to ‘evoke the feeling of a Forties boudoir’ and features chandeliers, mirrored dressing tables, and luxurious lounges. The new store will carry the full shoe collection as well as handbags, sunglasses and leather goods for women. (Singapore boutique pictured)
